consciousness Archives

What If Consciousness Exists Beyond the Brain? Some Researchers Say This “Hard Problem” Requires a Radical New Approach

Chrissy Newton·September 5, 2026

Consciousness researchers are challenging academics to take a closer look at what philosophers call the “hard problem” of consciousness.

Scientists Find Intense Breathwork Can Trigger Psychedelic-Like States and Lasting Psychological Changes

Tim McMillan·July 14, 2026

Breathwork may trigger psychedelic-like states, emotional breakthroughs, and psychological insights without drugs, new study finds.

The Unconscious Brain May Be More Capable Than Scientists Realized

Austin Burgess·July 3, 2026

While a patient is fully anesthetized and unresponsive, neurons in the hippocampus continue to process language, distinguish different types of words, and generate neural activity consistent with predicting upcoming words.

Could Spaceflight Alter Human Consciousness? Scientists Say Microgravity May Mimic Psychedelic Brain States

Tim McMillan·June 23, 2026

Consciousness may change in space, as new research suggests microgravity reshapes the brain and produces effects resembling psychedelic states.

Could Alien Consciousness Be Unlike Anything We Can Imagine? Non-Human Intelligence May Be Stranger Than We Think, These Experts Say

Ryan Whalen·June 17, 2026

Consciousness may arise in systems far different than the biology on Earth we are used to, according to new research.

A Hidden Brain Rhythm May Map the Line Between Conscious and Unconscious States

Austin Burgess·June 8, 2026

Researchers at LMU have found a new type of electrical rhythm in the central thalamus that allows them to closely track certain states of consciousness.

1 Out of 4 Americans Say They’ve Had Near-Death Experiences, According to Major Survey

Chrissy Newton·June 3, 2026

Near-death experiences (NDEs) might be more common than most would think, according to a groundbreaking new study.

Can AI Be Conscious? Researchers Say Science May Not Yet Know How to Tell

Austin Burgess·June 3, 2026

Common experimental methods in consciousness research don't separate subjective experience from general information processing, new research argues.

An “Impossible” Crystal, 8000-Year-Old Lost Technology, and a Radical Approach to Solving Consciousness Mysteries

Micah Hanks·May 19, 2026

This week, an "impossible" crystal formed during a historic nuclear blast, 8000-year-old technology "lost to history," and radical approches to solving consciousness questions are in the news.

Scientists Investigate ‘Quantum Consciousness’—But the Brain May Still Defy Physics

Tim McMillan·May 13, 2026

Quantum consciousness theories are gaining scientific scrutiny as researchers test whether quantum effects shape awareness.

Lucid Dreaming Could Allow People to Experience Other Genders, or Even Other Life Forms, New Research Suggests

Chrissy Newton·April 15, 2026

A new peer-reviewed study suggests some lucid dreamers may be able to experience "dream-body transformation" into animals, or even another gender.

Tibetan Buddhism and the Science of Death: New Perspectives on Consciousness and End-of-Life Care

Austin Burgess·April 15, 2026

At the 15th 'Behind and Beyond the Brain' Symposium, hosted by the Bial Foundation, experts in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy gathered for three days to examine the science of end-of-life experiences.

A Titanic Cosmic Blast, Advanced Metallurgy in Ancient Egypt, and the Consciousness-Time Connection

Micah Hanks·April 7, 2026

This week, a gravitational wave discovery, the enigma Egypt's Middle Kingdom metallurgists, and the connection between time perception and consciousness are all featured.

New Study Suggests Consciousness Is Shaped by the Body’s Signals—and How We Experience Time

Tim McMillan·April 6, 2026

Consciousness may arise from the body and time perception, not just the brain, according to new scientific research.

Scientists Want to Measure “Pure-Awareness”—But They May Be Studying the Wrong Thing, New Paper Warns

Tim McMillan·February 27, 2026

New research warns scientists may be mistaking attention and calm for pure-awareness in the race to map consciousness itself.

New Theory Suggests Consciousness May Come From a Hidden Wave in the Brain—Not Neurons

Tim McMillan·February 26, 2026

New theory suggests consciousness may arise from a hidden brain wave, challenging long-held beliefs about neurons and awareness.

James Webb Space Telescope exoplanet surface features

Hidden Human Senses, a “Sophisticated” Artifact Challenges Early Timelines, and a New Webb Telescope Discovery

Micah Hanks·February 17, 2026

This week, the discovery of "hidden" human senses, an ancient Egyptian artifact discovery that challenges existing timelines, and a Webb Telescope discovery are all in the news.

How Words Shape Consciousness: New Research Reveals the Deep Link Between Language and Awareness

Chrissy Newton·February 17, 2026

Recent research from the University of Liège is offering new insight into that question, suggesting a deeper relationship between language and awareness than previously understood.

What Happens to Consciousness After Death? Scientists and Researchers Are Still Debating This Age Old Question

Chrissy Newton·February 6, 2026

A growing number of professional institutions are seriously looking at questions involving consciousness and what happens to it after we die.

Solving the Consciousness Mystery, a Brazilian UAP Controversy, and a “Lost” Ancient Star Map Resurfaces

Micah Hanks·February 3, 2026

This week in stories we're tracking at The Debrief, consciousness mysteries, a Brazilian UFO controversy, the rediscovery of an ancient star map, and more are covered.

What Happens If Science Finally Explains Consciousness? A New Study Explores the Consequences

Tim McMillan·February 3, 2026

Consciousness remains science’s greatest mystery. A new study explores how it arises—and why solving it could reshape existence.

A New Brain-Stimulation Tool Could Help Scientists Trace the Origins of Consciousness

Austin Burgess·January 19, 2026

Although researchers can monitor brain activity associated with perception, pain, and awareness, it remains unclear which neural pathways are tied to the origins of consciousness.

Consciousness May Depend on the Physics of the Brain, Not Just Code

Austin Burgess·December 31, 2025

A new theoretical study argues that many standard beliefs about consciousness are rooted in a misleading concept of how the brain functions.

Space, Archaeology, Consciousness, and the Science of Tomorrow: The Top Science Stories of 2025

Micah Hanks·December 30, 2025

2025 has been an exceptional year for discoveries, and we here at The Debrief have kept a watchful eye throughout the last twelve months as several major scientific discoveries and important technological achievements have occurred throughout the year.

Science of Consciousness: The Most Intriguing Discoveries in 2025 Involving Neuroscience and the Mind

Micah Hanks·December 28, 2025

Questions about the nature of consciousness remain among the most perplexing areas of modern scientific research, with implications for both the human mind and our broader concept of reality.

Are AI Systems Truly Conscious? This Researcher Says Humanity May Never Know—and Explains Why That Matters

MJ Banias·December 22, 2025

What if we simply cannot know whether an artificial intelligence is conscious, and what if that uncertainty itself is the real danger?

New DMT Study Reveals How the Brain Loses Its Sense of Self Under the Psychedelic Compound’s Influence

Austin Burgess·December 6, 2025

A new neuroscience study reports that the psychedelic compound DMT disrupts a key brain rhythm linked to self-awareness.

ISS extremophiles consciousness UAP killer viruses

Universal Consciousness Before the Big Bang, the Launch of “UAlbany Project X”, and Extremophile Survival in Space

Micah Hanks·December 2, 2025

In news this week from The Debrief, scientists are looking at the idea of pre-Big Bang "universal consciousness," extreme organism survival in space, and the launch of a cutting-edge new UAP research initiative.

New Study Claims “Universal Consciousness” Existed Before the Big Bang—and Still Shapes Our Reality

Tim McMillan·December 1, 2025

A new theory proposes "universal consciousness" as a fundamental field shaping space, time, matter, and the emergence of awareness.

Scientists Say Consciousness Is Far Older—and More Widespread—Than We Ever Realized

Tim McMillan·November 26, 2025

New studies reveal consciousness is older and more widespread than believed, with birds showing signs of awareness and self-perception.

MIT Neuroscientist Proposes Brain Waves are the Hidden Engine Behind Thought and Consciousness

Tim McMillan·November 16, 2025

An MIT neuroscientist proposes that brain waves perform analog computations that give rise to thought and consciousness.

Lost in Thought: New Research Reveals How Meditation Can Potentially Unsettle the Mind

Austin Burgess·November 12, 2025

Many people view meditation as a way to achieve a calm state of well-being, but a recent study led by psychologist Nicholas Van Dam at the University of Melbourne suggests the effects can vary from person to person.

Do Trees Think? Philosopher Maps a New Route Through the Consciousness Debate

Tim McMillan·October 10, 2025

Philosopher Jonah Branding’s “decision tree” explores a new road map for identifying consciousness in living things.

45 Years of Psychedelic Research Reveals the Deeper Threads of Human Connection, Researcher Says

Austin Burgess·August 31, 2025

Psychedelic research sheds light on experiences such as empathy and unity that cross cultural boundaries and speak to shared human qualities.

This Tiny, Wearable “e-Tattoo” Can Read Your Mind’s Stress Levels

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry·May 30, 2025

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an e-tattoo that can monitor and predict mental fatigue.

Largest Brain Study Yet Confirms Lucid Dreaming as Unique State of Consciousness

Chrissy Newton·April 25, 2025

Newly published research offers the most comprehensive look yet at what occurs in the brain during lucid dreaming.

Breaking the Memory Code: New Research Reveals What Makes Human Consciousness Unique

Ryan Whalen·March 14, 2025

The uniqueness of human consciousness is demonstrated in research proving the human brain stores memories differently than other species.

Could the Origin of Consciousness Soon Be Explained? Scientists Propose Bold Experiment with Quantum Computers

Caleb Hanks·January 19, 2025

New research suggests that humanity may soon find an answer to one of its oldest and most profound questions: what is consciousness?

Need to Clear Your Mind? New Research Suggests a Good Night’s Sleep Could Help

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry·January 8, 2025

New research suggests that a good night’s sleep does more than just recharge your body—it literally clears your mind.

Scientists Uncover The Secrets Of Sleep And Memory In Electrified Brain Experiments

Ryan Whalen·December 14, 2024

German neuroscientists have made a significant advancement in finally uncovering the long-missing link between deep sleep and memory formation.

Scientists Print Sensors Using E-Tattoos to Measure Brain Activity

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry·December 2, 2024

Scientists have created a liquid ink that can be printed directly onto a patient’s scalp to monitor brain activity.

Do Animals Feel More Than We Think? Emory Survey Unveils Expert Opinions on Animal Emotions and Consciousness

Chrissy Newton·November 15, 2024

A new survey published in Royal Society Open Science is offering a rare snapshot into current scientific thinking about the emotions and consciousness of animals.

DARPA’s “INSPIRE” Program Seeks to Revolutionize Our Understanding of How the Brain Constructs Reality

Tim McMillan·October 18, 2024

DAPRA's INSPIRE program is looking to revolutionize how we understand the brain and its relationship with reality.

New Research Reveals Where Love Lives in the Brain

Chrissy Newton·September 13, 2024

In a recent study, researchers at Aalto University used Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to explore how different types of love activate the brain.

Is That A “Hidden Consciousness” In Your Brain, Or Are You Just Happy to See Me?

This week on The Debrief Weekly Report...

MJ Banias·August 27, 2024

Stephanie and Kenna are back for a new season of The Debrief Weekly Report. In this episode, they take a mental dip into new findings regarding "hidden consciousness" inside the brain. They also discuss why playing video games is good for your mental well being, and a brand new bandage that uses water and electrical currents to heal wounds faster!

Is The Universe Conscious? Growing Dissatisfaction with Materialist Views of the Mind Are Propelling a Resurgence in Panpsychism

Tim McMillan·August 26, 2024

Panpsychism, the theory that the universe itself is a conscious entity, has seen renewed interest in academia in recent years.